SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are known to frequently coexist and act synergistically to increase the risk of adverse (hepatic and extra-hepatic) clinical outcomes. The frequent coexistence of NAFLD and type 2 diabetes with their combined adverse health consequences and inadequate therapeutic options makes it necessary to search for newer alternatives. Based on the information from animal studies, sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors appear promising in the management of NAFLD. This review work is devoted to the search for cause-and-effect relationships of such comorbid diseases as NAFLD and various disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, as well as priority areas for diagnosing NAFLD.